Everest High Passes Trek

Everest High Passes Trek

The Everest Three Passes trek is the ultimate tour of the Everest region. This route takes in all the highlights—both in terms of mountain views and local culture—and combines them into a complete experience of the Everest region.

Highlights

Trek a circuit around the entire Everest region

Amazing views of the highest mountains in the world

Cross three challenging 5000m passes: Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La

Leave the crowds of the Everest Base Camp trek behind

Fast facts

Min. duration 20 days

Max. elevation 5545m (Kala Patthar)

Start/finish Lukla/Lukla

Difficulty Challenging

Trek style Teahouse

The Everest Region is one of Nepal’s top trekking destinations, and the Everest Three Passes Trek is its ultimate trekking adventure, crossing three passes over 5,000m, each offering amazing scenery and views. This trek was ranked the number 2 on Peregrine Treks’ list of the best treks in Nepal.

Getting there & away

The typical starting point of the Everest Three Passes Trek is the mountain airport of Lukla, a 30-minute spectacular flight from Kathmandu.

If you have some more time, there are a couple of alternative trailheads that add a number of trekking days in the Lower Khumbu: The small airport of Phaplu (adds about 4 days of trekking) and the trailhead at the end of the road in Jiri (adds about 7 days).

Permits & regulations

As with other treks in the Everest region, you’ll needs a TIMS ($10 USD) permit and a Sagarmatha National Park permit ($34 USD). Peregrine Treks will arrange these for you. If you’re arranging your trek yourself, you’ll need to pick up your TIMS permit in Kathmandu, and your Sagarmatha National Park permit in Monjo (a village checkpost you’ll pass through on the first day of your trek).

Best Season

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November) are the best seasons to do this trek. The monsoon season (June - early September) has less predictable weather, but some trekkers still choose this time as it aligns better with their vacation schedule. Winter season (December - February) gets quite cold, and snow may block the passes, but often offers clear skies.

Difficulty

The three passes trek is rated “Challenging”. It is a very serious adventure given its high pass crossings. It is more challenging than its sibling treks Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes, but not quite as challenging as trekking peaks such as Island Peak and Mera Peak.

Accommodation & meals

The Everest Region has excellent infrastructure for trekkers. The teahouses (lodges) are of relatively high quality and they serve good meals, especially in Namche Bazar which you’ll pass on the way up and down.

Variations

Generally, it’s best to complete the Three Passes trek counter-clockwise. It is possible to go clockwise, as well, but not recommended due to the steep altitude gain of crossing the Renjo La, first. From Gokyo, you can also add an extra day to visit the remote Gokyo Lakes farther up the glacial valley.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)

Day 2: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and trek to Phakding (2651m/8700ft) 8km, 3 hrs trek

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